18 Best Eyeliners Under $10

Looking for a liquid, gel or pencil eyeliner on the cheap? These drugstore brand picks get stellar reviews

Figuring out what eye makeup to wear is one of the biggest daily morning decisions we make (along with deciding whether it's a dark roast or an espresso day). Do we want a daring swipe of purple eyeliner or a sexy black cat eye? Regardless of the look we choose, we need the best eyeliners, from the perfect smudgy kohl to a precise, smudge-proof liquid liner, to get the job done.

Unfortunately, we too often have days when we realize 20 minutes after an important meeting or date that the fabulous liner we applied is running down our faces. Smudged and smeared (in a bad way) eyes are a beauty disaster that needs to be avoided at all costs -- but how much are you willing to spend for a great liner that doesn't budge? Some cost upwards of $58. If we had $58 we wouldn't give it to a pencil, no matter the pigmented brilliance.

So, can we get a great eyeliner without breaking the bank? According to our Total Beauty reviewers, the answer is yes. We've compiled their favorite gel, liquid, pencil, pen and waterproof eyeliners that cost less than $10. These cheap eyeliners don't smudge or disappear, but they also are easily removed with eye makeup remover. Our reviewers say the results from these drugstore liners are comparable to, if not better than, the leading department store brands. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to say goodbye to smudged raccoon eyes and having to reapply at noon, and hello to these eyeliners that are colorful, cheap and long lasting.

Why it's great: One reader raved about the many benefits of this eyeliner: "Color payoff is awesome. [It's] very long lasting since I have oily lids and it doesn't smudge on me. I can do different looks with this eyeliner." Another loyal product user recommends its staying power, saying, "I find that once it sets it doesn't go anywhere, and it's easy to achieve a lovely cat eye." Another reviewer agrees: "So easy to use, and it's the blackest eyeliner I have ever used!"

Why it's great: An easy-to-apply and long-lasting liner? Consider our readers fans. Like many eyeliners, this one claims to give you smudge-proof wear -- and according to one user, "It did not smudge at all!" An eyeliner newbie found that this formula delivered on its promises: "I haven't really been one to use eyeliner, but I decided to pick this up. It's very pigmented and achieves the 'master drama' it's aiming for."

Why it's great: A reader says this eyeliner is her go-to for a smudge-proof look. "I have never found an eyeliner that doesn't run ... until now! I will never use another eyeliner, and I've tried all different kinds and brands," she says. Readers say the felt tip is "soft and perfect" for those who have trouble with precision. "It gives the best precise line and it literally lasts all day," says a reader.

Why it's great: Readers rave over this eyeliner's ability to "last all day" without smudging or transferring. One reader says it's "so easy to use" that she keeps it handy as an on-the-go alternative to a gel liner. She adds that it's a "great quality, especially for the price."

Why it's great: TotalBeauty.com readers love this formula, and there is one reason that is continually echoed in their reviews: The felt tip makes application a breeze. "Absolutely love the angle of the tip! [It] definitely allows me to create the winged look. [I] can easily go from thin to thick lines precisely," says one user. Another describes how the "smudge-proof" formula lasts "through all-day concerts." Another upside? Reviewers found that the handle made a graphic line easy to achieve: "This eyeliner is great for a beginner or someone who's had trouble with liquid eyeliner. The handle allows you to grasp closely to the end, which gives good control."

Why it's great: Readers say this product stays in place, is a "nice bold color," is "easy to apply" and "doesn't smudge" -- what's not to love? Another devoted reader says that this gel liner is her "all-time favorite." "[It's] what I plan on using for the rest of my life," she adds. Another agrees, saying, "It goes on very smoothly and [is] perfect for those difficult winged tips."

Why it's great: TotalBeauty.com members bought this because of its blending ability: "It's soft enough that it doesn't pull, but it gives better definition than a kohl. I never have to sharpen it and the blender tip works great too," says a reader. One reviewer revealed that she normally steers clear of eyeliner, but trusts this product: "I absolutely hate eyeliner, but I love this! If I want to use eyeliner for definition, this is all I'll use. I'm horrible at putting eyeliner on, but this goes on so smooth!" Another reader gushes, "It's the best drugstore eyeliner I've ever used."

Why it's great: If you're looking for lasting power, this is the eyeliner reviewers recommend. "It stays on all day," promises one reader. Another says this is the "best eyeliner" she's ever used. She loves the compliments she receives, and "the black pearl [shade] makes [her] hazel eyes pop like crazy." Other perks? The application is "super easy," and the "color doesn't flake or fade."

Why it's great: "This is probably the [most] perfect pencil eyeliner I've seen. It glides on so smoothly, both along the waterline and the upper lash line," one reader raves. Another devoted consumer loves this formula because it doesn't settle into fine lines: "They glide effortlessly over the lid and don't clump on the little wrinkles that us more mature ladies are beginning to notice."

Why it's great: TotalBeauty.com readers love this waterproof formula for one reason: the tiny felt tip brush. "With the pointy felt tip, you can go between lashes so easily," says one user. Another describes how she believes she has "finally found the holy grail of eyeliners," adding that this "eyeliner is absolutely perfect." It is "long lasting, dark, affordable, and easy to apply," she adds. What else could you want in an eyeliner?

Why it's great: Users describe this eyeliner as a long-lasting formula that's also not a pain to remove: "I can put this on and not have to think about it again for about six hours, so it's perfect for evening. It doesn't take a miracle to take it off either, so that's an added plus." Readers get complimented regularly when they use this liner: "This is the only eyeliner I use because it does stay on all day. It is easy to use and gives you a lovely cat eye! I get lots of compliments, and people are surprised it's Revlon and not some expensive brand. I hope they never discontinue the product."

Why it's great: Although it's a drugstore brand, readers say this eyeliner stands up to other high-end products. It even stays on when used on the waterline, readers say. "I've tried a lot of eyeliners. The liquid liners are too hard for (clumsy) me and the pencils hurt my lids. This is so easy to put on and very smooth and creamy, so I don't feel as if I'm scraping off my eyelid," says a reader. Reviewers love that these gems are also "so reasonably priced" and come in "many different colors."

Why it's great: This eyeliner claims to give you lasting drama -- and according to one user, "[It] stays on all day with no smudges or runs!" Reader after reader loved the longevity and creamy formula of this product: "I love this stuff. I have a hard time finding a good eyeliner that doesn't smudge or smear from my lower lash line. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way!" Another bonus? "This doesn't budge until you decide to wash it off."

Why it's great: A reader calls this eyeliner her "favorite eyeliner of all." Why? "I really like the consistency in the color and it doesn't smudge," she says. Another reader strongly recommends giving this liner a go: "It is amazing. [It] stays on so long, [and is] so pigmented for a pencil eyeliner. This must-have should be on the top of your shopping list."

Why it's great: Although this eyeliner is not completely smudge-proof, readers say it goes on dark with just a light stroke and is worth every penny. One reviewer says: "This eyeliner is very pigmented. With the softest stroke of the pencil you get an ultra dark line. I really love the look of this for the waterline." Readers call this a "great product" that "blends easily" -- especially if you're going for a smoky eye look.

Why it's great: Readers say this product doesn't smudge like many other liquid liners and works like a permanent marker (without the hazardous effects). One reader gushes: "OMG I love this eyeliner! The tip is wonderful for doing a thin or dramatic line. It doesn't smudge but it's not waterproof either." Readers say the eyeliner has "great lasting power" and "won't dry out."

Why it's great: Although it requires more sharpening than other pencil eyeliners, readers say this product is super creamy and comes in an array of different colors. One reader sums up how much she likes it: "I love several things about this eyeliner: It's very thin and it's a twist up so there is never a need to sharpen, it comes with a cap that 'clicks' closed, it's a good-size length, so it lasts a long time, and it's retractable." Readers admit they do have to swipe it on several times for bold color, but say that the colors are "great," regardless.
Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Avon Glimmersticks Eye Liner here.

Why it's great: Not only is this eyeliner perfect for non-professionals, but it glides on and stays on for hours throughout the day, reviewers say. One reviewer writes:
"I really love the colors of this eyeliner and it is super easy to apply. The pencil is angled for color where you want it and it lasts a long time without smudging or wearing off."